Need someone to talk to, visit a chaplain

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Holidays are traditionally a joyful time for people to reconnect with family and friends and when people reflect on the things they are grateful for. However, for some, the upcoming holidays do not symbolize a time of celebration but a time of loneliness.

The Seymour Johnson chapel staff has their doors open to anyone who is feeling down or lost, regardless of the time of year.

Chaplain (Maj.) William O'Sullivan, 4th Fighter Wing chaplain, encourages people who are feeling a bit homesick to make connections with another person.

"Initiate or cultivate friendships, engage in holiday events and activities," he said. "Don't isolate yourself -- relationships are a vital component of physical and emotional health. Social interaction is a key to healthier living."

Base chaplains are not here just to help people with strong religious convictions; they are willing to provide a listening ear or lend a shoulder to cry on to any member of the base.

"Chaplains are not in the practice of imposing their faith position on those who come to them for help," Chaplain O'Sullivan said. "We sincerely want to help by providing practical ideas and solutions to their problems. Usually, we find that the solutions are within the individual seeking help. We simply direct them toward the answers that lie within themselves. Having said that, we remain true to our faith position by coming at solutions from our own faith perspective.

"We are not moralist or judges," he said. "People who come to us will not get 'would have, should have, could have,' we won't dwell on the past, but look to a brighter future. We will help find answers to issues or simply provide a listening ear."

Counseling services offered by chaplains cover a number of areas.

"Persons seeking counseling services from a chaplain may come and discuss any concerns or issues that they may be seeking assistance for," said Chaplain (Maj.) Randall Jamieson, 4th FW senior Protestant chaplain. "Topics may include addiction and substance abuse, combat stress, deployment and re-deployment, domestic violence, ethical and moral issues, health related concerns, life and career concerns, relationship with family, non-family member or marriage, religious respect and accommodation, sexual assault, spiritual concerns, suicide or work-place issues."

Discussions individuals have with chaplains are considered privileged communication.

"Privileged communication is any communication given to a chaplain in trust by an individual, if such communication is made either as a formal act of religion or as a matter of conscience," Chaplain Jamieson said. "Confidentiality is absolute."

Individuals may come to the chapel anytime during the duty day for counseling. Airman can also contact their squadron chaplain for counseling during duty hours. If someone who needs to talk to a chaplain after duty hours they can call the command post at 722-1973.

"No problem is too big that can't be worked out with the help of others," Chaplain O'Sullivan said. "In this season of hope, remember ... there is always hope. And as long as there is hope, there is life. Enjoy it to the fullest."

To contact a chaplain, call 722-0315.

The following is a list of upcoming Chapel holiday services and events:
Protestant
Sundays in December - Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., there is no Sunday School Dec. 27 through Jan. 3, traditional service at 11:00 a.m. and gospel service at 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 - Christmas play and musical at 6 p.m.
Dec. 4 - Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve watchnight service at 10 p.m.
Catholic Services
Saturdays in December - Mass at 5:30 p.m.
Sundays in December - Mass at 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 8 - Immaculate Conception Mass at 11:30 p.m.
Dec. 24 - Christmas Vigil Mass and children's pageant at 5 p.m.
Dec. 24 - Christmas Midnight Mass at 11:30 p.m.
Dec. 25 - Christmas Day Mass at 9:30 a.m.
Dec. 31 - Vigil Mass for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God at 5 p.m., this fulfills Jan. 1 Holy Day of Obligation